Broadband Adoption Toolkit

May 8, 2013 — The Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released the Broadband Adoption Toolkit in an effort to help document and share effective practices gathered from recipients of grants through the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).  The toolkit highlights that approximately 100 million people have yet to adopt broadband in their homes and provides guidance for initiatives working to bring people online.  Specifically, the toolkit notes that only 38% of people with disabilities have broadband at home which is compounded by the fact that “for people with disabilities, using a computer can pose a multitude of unique barriers.” The toolkit provides recommendations such as providing a mobile computer lab which is ADA compliant, ensuring instructors are trained to help meet the needs of people with disabilities, and making organizational changes to welcome people with disabilities and ensure accessibility.